Relax, and unwind in Boracay!

CEBU, Philippines - With Holy Week just around the corner and summer a stone’s throw away, plan and cast yourself to seventh heaven and experience an exquisite surprise.

There are a precious few places where nature has combined the elements to create a paradise, where the sun smiles from blue skies and where the sea is clear and warm. Everyday offers a tempting array of activities and things to enjoy whether it’s swimming or sailing, tennis or golf, dining indoors or outdoors or just lazing at the pools – all literally at one’s doorstep.

We discovered one of these favored places recently on the invitation of Cebu Pacific, a highly prolific and progressive airline in the Asia Pacific and the country’s airline of choice.

This place is BORACAY!

For those more interested in participating than being a mere spectator, there is every sport and activity under the sun. With water everywhere you look, there is no end to swimming, snorkeling, island hopping, and exciting thrills on inflated banca rides.

However, if you are after something altogether more refined, then Boracay has much to offer, as well. Superb cuisine can be found all around the island, and the up and coming new breed of home-grown chefs create wonders with the bounteous supplies of fresh fish and local produce. Alfresco dining is the best way to enjoy the island’s blend of Asian and Continental styles and local specialties.

Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, a Department of Tourism accredited resort with a AAA rating, graciously hosted our week-end stay.

Located at Station 2 in the island, the resort is a tropical oasis that blends Mediterranean and Asian architecture on a sprawling estate of verdant landscape.

It is masterfully and meticulously designed to provide utmost privacy, a bounty of space and refuge from the bustle of the beachfront. The three-storey building property encloses the exclusive and self contained sanctuary.

Majority of the well-appointed rooms have balconies that over look the bean-shaped pool and the lush gardens that surround it. The hotel has 44 superior deluxe rooms and six cabañas. The Premier suites include additional amenities such as receiving area, and a well equipped kitchenette. All rooms have air condition units, a well-stocked mini bar, private shower, and cable TV and in-room safety deposit vault.

The multi-purpose TropiCafe Restaurant serves a sumptuous choice of the best of Oriental and Western cuisine with a bar to unwind after a long adventurous day in the island.

During our stroll along the beach, we discovered a couple of unexpected treasures.

Le Soleil de Boracay a French inspired resort hotel is situated at Boat Station 2. It welcomes you immediately to its spacious restaurant that specializes in French-Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are spacious and well equipped. Its service orientation is indeed top-notch.

Towards Station I is Bolero Mexican Bar that boasts a comprehensive wine and beer menu, premium spirits and surely the best frozen margaritas in the island.

Away from the beachfront is Fairways and Bluewater which stands in an immense 18-hole golf course situated in barangay Balabag, Malay. All amenities are of premium quality standards. There’s a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and spa and the rooms have individual balconies.

The One MGM (My Greatest Moment) Resort Hotel is set on a 15, 000 sq. meter tropical garden in Station 2. It offers a choice of 100 air-conditioned, comfortable rooms with all the modern amenities. Enjoy authentic Chinese and Continental cuisine at the Greenhouse Room Garden or head over to the Pool Bar and Restaurant for light meals and snacks. Leisure activities in and around the resort include three swimming pools, mountain climbing, biking, beach volleyball, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and a whole lot more.

Much too soon our weekend escapade regrettably came to an end. Be it for several hours or several days, Boracay is a complete and deliciously self-contained destination.

While life’s journeys and adventures take us through time as much as space, rare are the occasions when we can find moments of serenity. Whenever you wish for a respite for your mind, body and soul, Boracay comes straight from the heart to soothe your senses in an unequalled environment.